And I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

If my somewhat shaky grasp on New York City history holds, Peter Stuyvesant, the last Director of New Amsterdam colony, tried to ban Jews from settling in the colony (as well as, according to my lackluster Wikipedia fact-checking, the Quakers). His superiors in the Netherlands replied swiftly and decidedly — New Amsterdam exists to make money, and we will keep its doors open to everyone who wants to do business. In “The First Lowering” Ishmael explores the precedent that decision set in the American character.

Ahab waits until a moment of peak bustle and frenzy to first introduce his private crew of men, aborigines of the Manillas, whom he has been hiding in the hold for the early part of the voyage. This move has the desired effect of preventing the crew from protesting or asking questions, but the unintended effect of leaving the crew speechless and motionless, in a stupor of confusion. Much of “The First Lowering” consists of Ishmael’s fantastic characterizations of the mates, each trying to figure out what’s going on, while also trying to inspire their respective crews into action.

The message is clear from the mates to all hands — we’re here to make money, and those men (devils they may be) are here to help us make money. And just look at them — they’re such good rowers! In telling this story, Ishmael explores an important side of the America-as-melting-pot narrative. Without cynically dismissing Statue of Liberty ideals, its important to recognize the simple fact that oftentimes America swallows its racism just long enough to make a buck.